Tiny houses bringing new living opportunities for students at Jackson College

One of the things that has always set Jackson College apart from other institutions offering two-year degrees is the availability of student housing. In order to make that benefit accessible to more students, Jackson College administrators opted to join the tiny house movement and have begun construction of the small dwellings on campus near the residence halls. Aimed at providing housing for parents who want to access post-secondary education and the life-long financial benefits that accompany it but struggle with finding affordable living options.

Glenn Richards, Housing Director at Jackson College, recalls getting calls every year from prospective students who want to attend but who have children and therefore can not rely on traditional student housing units for an affordable place to live. In answer to that need, the concept was developed to build a group of tiny houses on campus for families. In a recent release, Jackson College announced that four of six planned structures have now been completed and will be available for occupancy by the start of the second term of the winter semester in March. Two additional structures will be completed soon that will be compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

Local tv station WILX 10 interviewed Richards and Jackson College COO Cynthia Allen at the end of January about the project and said of the houses. "It's amazing how much you can fit in this tiny home," touted Richards. The homes include brand new appliances, bedroom space upstairs, and are set up with a patio and front gate. The school hopes that the idea takes off. 

Allen spoke about the prospects for expansion of the project, "We're hoping this is just the start of a really nice village, of I don't know, maybe 20 tiny homes, when it's all said and done, depending on demand." 

Allen also talked about the people who Jackson College hopes to serve with the tiny houses, "A lot of times the single moms are ones that are trying to do something better for themselves. So let's give someone an opportunity to come out here, live on campus, and live with their partner, or their child as well."

While applications for housing aren't yet available, there are two informational sessions scheduled for interested parties on February 9, 2021 and on February 11,2021.